Zagreb Christmas market was declared as being the most beautiful in Europe. Having Zagreb close to us, we have decided to check this statement by ourselves too.
The central market of ban Jelačić (Zagreb Christmas market)
Being based in Slovenia we needed less than 1,5 hours by car to reach Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, what actually makes it a great day trip any time of the year.
Zagreb’s center has Christmas markets on numerous locations (Zagreb Christmas market)
When you reach Zagreb and start exploring its city center, you will realize Zagreb was important city already years back. Everything looks even more beautiful during its Christmas market.
Advent wreth around the water spring, from which Zagreb got its name (Zagreb Christmas market)
Zagreb Christmas market is spread out in numerous locations, so when you walk from one market to another, you will also have time to do some sightseeing. The best way to explore the Zagreb Christmas markets is by foot.
Zagreb Christmas market has traditional look, what we really liked. After all Christmas is all about tradition.
The city center and its decorated streets (Zagreb Christmas market)
We like the whole area of the Zagreb Christmas market, but still, there were two locations we found nicer than the others. The main square of Ban Jelačić has a small winter village at one side, what makes you fill like you would find yourself in a snowy village in the middle of Lapland. High trees, covered with snow and decorated with lights are perfect for making some of the best photo moments of your Zagreb Christmas market trip. The white wooden cottages, selling mulled wine and traditional food, makes it a great place to be around.
Our favorite spot is the snowy village on ban Jelačić square (Zagreb Christmas market)
If you like ice-skating, you also have to stop at King Tomislav Park – right opposite the main railway station. The Ice Park is really beautifully done, offering fun for all ages.
Ice park during the day (Zagreb Christmas market)
Ice park during the night (Zagreb Christmas market)
A nice place to wander and stop for some Christmas goodies is also Zrinjevac, offering lots of stands with food and drinks to warm you during the cold winter days. In the middle of the stands, you will also find Santa’s home.
If you are keen of Nativity Scenes, make sure to stop near the City’s cathedral, where you can enjoy Live Nativity Scene. Well, even if you are not into it, do visit the amazing Cathedral.
Zrinjevac is another nice place, full of lights and stands (Zagreb Christmas market)
If you are flexible with your time, the best time to visit Zagreb Christmas market is during the week. If you visit Zagreb somewhere from Monday to Friday, you will be able to avoid crowds. If you come during weekends, there will be more people, but the whole atmosphere will be a little bit more festive because of the crowds. If you are visiting Zagreb by car and want to avoid paying parking, your best choice is Saturday (3pm onwards) and Sunday, as there is free street parking available in the city center.
Last but not least – is Zagreb Christmas market really the most beautiful in Europe? Well, we have to admit we liked it a lot, but we still cannot say that the Zagreb Christmas market was the most beautiful one we have ever seen. Nevertheless, it is definitely worth your time and visit!
Tips about Zagreb Christmas market in
- Zagreb Christmas market duration: Open from 1.12.2018 until 6.1.2019.
- Hotels in Zagreb: To really enjoy the Zagreb Christmas market, we would definitely recommend you to book a night in one of the many hotels in the city central. Check out hotels in Zagreb here.
Wonderful! I was in Zagreb during the summer, and its regular markets were terrific. Christmas looks even better!
Well, Zagreb is nice all year round, but we must admit that all the decorations and lights in December make it a bit nicer. 🙂
That Christmas market looks lovely. The Live Nativity Scenes are a treat for visitors and it’s wonderful that the market runs almost into the middle of January.
Christmas market in Zagreb was a nice surprise for us and we are glad we visited it before it closes down. And you are right, it’s great that it is open pass 24th December, what unfortunately cannot be said for lots of Christmas markets around Europe.
A question for you: You say that is isn’t quite the most beautiful you have ever seen… where is the most beautiful you have ever seen? Thanks.
Hi Adam,
well, Christmas market in zagreb is beautiful, so I am sure you will not be sorry hen visiting it. But maybe, if you are already there, you can also make a trip to Ljubljana – the capital of Slovenia. In my opinion, Christmas market in Ljubljana is more beautiful. 🙂 Maybe because Ljubljana is smaller and charming. I guess, you will have to see it with your own eyes and tell us, what you think. 😉 Cheers, Nina
Hi, do you know what are the opening hours for the Christmas Market in the city square?
Hi Clara!
hmmm… unfortunately I don’t know, but we visited Zagreb Christmas market last year at around 3pm and it was already opened.